Porcelain Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. This option is extremely versatile, since porcelain veneers can be used to conceal a variety of dental concerns.

Candidates for Veneers

Before deciding that porcelain dental veneers are the best option for you, you will first want to schedule an appointment with a dentist to discuss your needs and goals. He or she will perform an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment and inform you what you can expect. Some dentists also offer a cosmetic imaging service to allow you to see what your teeth would look like after receiving the veneers so you know what results you can expect to achieve.

Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Getting porcelain veneers is a multi-step process. First, the dentist will remove a small layer of the tooth enamel so that the veneers can be properly bonded. This step is what makes porcelain veneers an irreversible process, as it literally takes away part of your natural tooth that cannot be restored. Once the tooth surface has been reduced, the dentist makes a mold of your teeth from which the permanent veneers will be crafted. This mold helps to ensure that the veneers you receive are an exact fit for your mouth. You will then be given temporary veneers that will help to protect your natural teeth until the permanent veneers are complete. Finally, once the permanent veneers are ready, you will return to the dentist's office to have them permanently bonded in place.

Porcelain Veneer Results

Porcelain veneers can help patients achieve dramatic smile transformations. The treatment can conceal discoloration, minor gaps, chips, cracks, and misalignments. After your procedure it is still essential for you to practice good oral hygiene to make sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for years and may even never need to be replaced.